Not everyone will experience difficult seasons but there are some people who will experience it — even for the righteous. The Bible is full of men and women who walked closely with God, yet experienced hardship, pain, and delay. But in every season, God was present, and He was working.
Hard Journeys with a Beautiful End
Moses and Joseph are prime examples. Both had a glorious destiny, but their journeys were marked by intense trials. Moses spent 40 years in exile before his calling was revealed. Joseph was betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned for 13 years before his promotion came.
Yet through it all, God was working.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Righteousness Doesn’t Exempt You from Trials
It’s important to understand that going through a tough season doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Even righteous men and women of the Bible went through deep valleys.
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:5–9, described being under such great pressure that he despaired of life itself.
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” — 2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
Even Jesus faced a season of anguish. In Gethsemane, He prayed earnestly, asking the Father to take the cup of suffering away—but He submitted to God’s will.
Mindset Matters in Difficult Times
Your mindset in tough seasons is crucial. See God in the process. He is not absent. He is working behind the scenes—even when you don’t feel it.
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” — Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
Sometimes, people who hurt or push you are the very instruments God uses to reposition you. Joseph’s brothers did just that. But God had a plan.
Stay Faithful and Do Good
Difficult seasons can tempt you to become bitter or withdraw. But stay faithful. Keep doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
Joseph helped Potiphar, the prison warden, and Pharaoh’s officials. Moses helped Jethro. They kept serving, and God honored their faithfulness.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” — Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
Be kind. Be generous. The very people around you may one day be the ones God uses to lift you.
Stay in the Word and in Prayer
Leadership and strength come from the Word of God. Stay rooted in Scripture. In prayer, you align your spirit with God’s will.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV)
Even when you don’t see immediate results, keep praying. Prayer works. It builds strength, clarity, and confidence. You’re shifting things in the spirit.
Be Patient—God Has a Time
God’s timing is perfect. Some seasons are long—Moses waited 40 years, Joseph waited 17 years, Sarah waited 25 years. But God made all things beautiful in their time.
“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” — Hebrews 10:36 (NKJV)
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV)
Patience is a spiritual strength. Wait on the Lord. Trust His timing.
Surround Yourself with the Right Voices
In tough seasons, the voices you listen to matter. Stay around faith-filled people. Avoid those who feed doubt, fear, or resentment. Faith comes by hearing—make sure you’re hearing the right things.
You may not understand the season you’re in, but God does. He sees the end from the beginning. What you’re going through now is not wasted. God is working, aligning, shaping, and preparing you.
Stay faithful. Stay prayerful. Stay hopeful. Your season will shift.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 2:14
